You are here

Kathy Hairgrove

Kathy Jalene Redding Hairgrove was born in Bell, Calif., on Jan. 5, 1954, to Inola “Sonny” and Barbara Standard. Kathy moved with her parents to Fort Smith in 1971. She passed away Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. She was 59 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents. Kathy was an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to have met her. She dedicated her life to the nursing profession. She graduated from Westark Community College of Fort Smith with a baccalaureate degree in nursing. She then worked at many river valley hospitals until returning to college to obtain her master’s degree. Kathy graduated with her advanced practice nurse and physicians assistant master’s degree from St. Joseph University of Standish, Maine. She then worked extensively with the Indian Nation Healthcare System throughout Oklahoma and South Dakota for many years. Kathy eventually turned her career to the education track. She lent her expertise and vast knowledge to the university licensed practical nursing program at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. After 18 years of sharing her expertise with her “little ducks,” as she so often referred to her students, she retired from UAFS with full alumni honors. Kathy loved nursing and the lives of others. She was generous and caring to all. She will be missed by many. In retirement, she found enjoyment in travelling with her husband and family. She loved to crochet and quilt. Many of her works of art don beds nationwide. She was truly a gifted woman.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Monte Hairgrove; sons, Sean Redding of Fort Smith, Carl Hairgrove and wife Bethany of Bartlesville, Okla., and Beau Lewis and Robert Lewis and wife Crystal, all of Pensacola, Fla.; and a daughter, Traysha Hairgrove of Fort Smith.

Reflection of life service will be 2 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Church of God, 1519 Jackson St., Fort Smith.

Arrangements are under the direction of Add’Vantage Funeral Service in Tulsa.